New 10.6 test build released, devs to focus on 64-bit kexts

A key Snow Leopard test build has been seeded to developers. Developers are …

The latest test build of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, 10A314, was released to select developers last night. In addition to increasing stability, the build was accompanied by a note to developers "strongly encouraging" them to focus on building and testing 64-bit support for kernel extensions.

Kernel extensions are the low-level drivers needed for certain hardware compatibility. While Apple supplies the majority of the drivers for Mac OS X, certain kinds of specialized hardware will require 64-bit support to be added to the kexts to work under Snow Leopard running on 64-bit hardware.

AppleInsider notes that Snow Leopard running in 64-bit mode has no problems running 32-bit application software, but the 64-bit kernel—the underlying UNIX foundation of Mac OS X—will need 64-bit ready kexts. Further, 64-bit applications won't be able to load 32-bit plugins or bundles, so makers of plugins and even system pref panes will need to update their code as well. Apple is supplying developers with a 64-bit transition guide to assist them in the necessary work.

Sources for MacRumors characterize the latest build as more stable than previous builds. In particular, QuickTime X has made "significant strides" over previous versions, according to those sources.

The next major update to Mac OS X is expected to be released in late summer this year. The rumored "Marble" UI theme, said to be similar to the look of the latest versions of iLife and iWork, is expected to get an unveiling during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June.